The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii communicates with the insect host Galleria mellonella during infection.

ABSTRACT: Parasitic fungi are the only pathogens that can infect insect hosts directly through their proteinaceous exoskeleton. Penetration of the cuticle requires the release of fungal enzymes, including proteinases, which act as virulence factors. Insects can sense fungal infections and activate innate immune responses, including the synthesis of antifungal peptides and proteinase inhibitors that neutralize the incoming proteinases. This well-studied host response is epigenetically regulated by histone acetylation/deacetylation. Here we show that entomopathogenic fungi can in turn sense the presence of insect-derived antifungal peptides and proteinase inhibitors, and respond by inducing the synthesis of chymotrypsin-like proteinases and metalloproteinases that degrade the host-derived defense mole

SUBMITTER: Mukherjee K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5955202 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature